Before You Begin
Question #135831
The Question
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The invasion of alien species into a biodiversity hotspot can falsely inflate local alpha diversity indices while simultaneously undermining the region's conservation priority. Reason (R): Invasive species cause niche displacement and functional extinction of native taxa, drastically reducing the high degree of endemism which is a primary criterion for hotspot designation.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- A.
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- B.
Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C.
(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D.
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
IUCN Red List Data|In-situ Conservation (Hotspots)|Alien Species Invasion Impacts
Why This Question Is Tricky
Examiner Levers
Logical Assertion
Tests the causal relationship between two true statements.
Difficulty Boost : +4Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often equate 'high species richness' directly with 'high conservation value' (Hotspot status).
They fail to realize that alpha diversity indices treat all species equally, failing to distinguish between a widespread invasive weed and a rare endemic plant.
The trap is assuming that an increase in species number is always ecologically beneficial, missing the NCERT emphasis on 'endemism' as the critical, non-negotiable metric for hotspot prioritization.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | IUCN Red List Data |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |